Hope

Throughout the course of the novel, Grace comes to realize that hope is the driving force that will allow her to escape her captivity. Although the exact circumstances of her confinement change throughout the narrative, it is a hope of getting away and keeping her sister safe that allows her to stay mentally alert, think, and plan for escape. When she first returns home from her honeymoon with Jack, she is housed in a large, well-appointed bedroom, but eventually the accommodations shrink and grow more austere the more she tries to flee Jack's control. By the time the story starts in the Present, Grace is basically in a windowless box, with only a bed and bathroom for company.

However, as long as Grace is able to think one day ahead, towards even an opportunity to leave, she is able to stave off the depression and fear...